Latest news with #ShriRamJanmabhoomiTeerthKshetraTrust
News18
23-06-2025
- General
- News18
Ancient Relic Depicting Goddess On Two Lions Unearthed At Ayodhya's Ram Temple Complex
Last Updated: Experts say the artefact appears to bear the image of a female deity - likely representing a Shakta or Vaishnavite tradition - standing over two crouching lions. Ongoing excavation work along the Kuber Tila pathway in the Ram Temple complex has unearthed another remarkable archaeological find – an ancient relic depicting a goddess figure atop two lions. Believed to be centuries old, the carving adds to the growing list of artefacts found at the sacred site, reinforcing Ayodhya's deep civilisational roots. The relic was discovered during foundation work in a zone being developed as a spiritual trail around Kuber Tila, a prominent hillock within the Ram Janmabhoomi campus. Experts say the artefact appears to bear the image of a female deity – likely representing a Shakta or Vaishnavite tradition – standing over two crouching lions. While erosion over time has softened the finer details, the posture and iconography align with depictions of divine figures seen in early medieval Hindu temple art. According to a senior official of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, several such relics have been discovered since temple construction began. Each of them is being documented and preserved carefully. This latest find is particularly fascinating because of its symbolic depth and artistic style. Echoes of the Past Beneath Sacred Ground The Kuber Tila area is undergoing extensive development as part of the broader temple plan, which aims not only to build a grand structure for Lord Ram but also to revive and protect Ayodhya's tangible heritage. The recent discovery, say archaeologists, strengthens the historical and spiritual linkage of Ayodhya through the centuries. Officials and experts involved in the construction work noted that the recently unearthed artefact, featuring a lion and goddess motif, reflects a long-standing tradition in Indian temple iconography. The depiction likely represents Goddess Durga or a regional deity and is estimated to date between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. Given Ayodhya's uninterrupted sacred legacy, such symbols point to the deep and layered evolution of worship practices at the site. Previous Discoveries at the Ram Temple Site This is not an isolated incident. Since 2020, when the temple's deep foundation work began, a series of ancient artefacts have been uncovered. These include three ring wells, animal and human terracotta figurines, decorated bricks, and copper objects – all found at levels more than 40 feet deep. Experts associate these artefacts with the Maurya, Shunga, and Kushana periods, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Some scholars contacted by the trust have even suggested the possibility of earlier origins through radiocarbon dating. They may be looking at cultural remnants as old as 1680 BCE, indicating over 3,600 years of historical continuity under Ayodhya's soil, according to an official. The 2003 ASI Excavation: A Legal Turning Point Earlier, in 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a high-profile excavation at the disputed site under the directions of the Allahabad High Court. This investigation revealed the remains of a pre-existing religious structure – including carved pillars, shrine bases, and decorated stones – beneath the Babri Masjid. These findings were later acknowledged by the Supreme Court in its 2019 judgment, which awarded the disputed land to the Hindu side for temple construction. The ASI report, along with testimonies and artefacts, played a pivotal role in legally affirming the site's historic Hindu connection. Ongoing Preservation and a Future Museum To preserve these cultural treasures, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has formed a dedicated conservation team. Artefacts found during construction are being catalogued, and plans are underway to display them in a museum being built within the temple complex. Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust, stated that all artefacts discovered during construction are being carefully preserved. These are not just stones but testimonies to Ayodhya's ancient heritage. They are being catalogued systematically, and they will be displayed in a museum within the temple complex to educate future generations. The Trust has also involved art historians and epigraphists to decode the symbols and inscriptions found on the stones and relics, many of which are yet to be fully interpreted.
News18
21-06-2025
- General
- News18
Ayodhya's Ram Temple Main Construction Work To Be Completed By October; Landscaping By Jan 1
Last Updated: The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by October 31, with its 70-acre compound ready by January 1. Landscaping by GMR starts in November. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai said that the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by October 31, while the temple's 70-acre-wide compound will be ready in its green avatar by January 1 next year. 'The landscaping work of the temple, to be taken up by GMR, is expected to begin in the first week of November," he added. Emphasising that public 'darshan' (viewing) should not be hindered, Rai highlighted the pending works crucial for the security of the temple complex. The pending tasks include constructing the boundary wall, which hasn't started yet. These tasks, along with building the auditorium, restrooms, and Trust office, 'may take another year to complete," he added. Vinod Mehta, project director, Larsen and Toubro construction team, said that all the milestones pertaining to the completion of the temple are going to be achieved by October 31. 'Post that, L&T will start the process of pulling out from the project. Whatever has been defined in our scope of work will be achieved by then. That is what we are targeting at present," said Mehta on Friday. Officials estimate the landscaping work for the Ram temple project will take 6-8 weeks to complete. 'With the help of the latest technology, the land filling and landscaping work should not take a lot of time. And people visiting the temple would be able to enjoy their time in the gardens and green space. The temple trust would chart out which areas are going to be opened for the devotees later," said an officer. The Ram temple construction started following the Supreme Court's 2019 landmark verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute. Hindu litigants had claimed the Babri mosque was built on a temple marking Lord Ram's birthplace. The consecration ceremony was held on January 22 last year. First Published: June 21, 2025, 15:12 IST
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ayodhya Ram temple's main work to be completed by October, says temple trust
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Friday said finishing touches are currently being given to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking a crucial stage in its construction. Talking to reporters, Rai confirmed that once this work is complete, all heavy machinery will be taken down. He said the "main work of the temple will be completed by October". Emphasising that public 'darshan' (viewing) should not be hindered, Rai highlighted the pending works crucial for the security of the temple complex. They include the construction of the boundary wall, which has not yet begun. He noted that these tasks, along with the construction of the auditorium, restrooms and the Trust office within the complex "may take another year to be completed". The construction of the Ram temple began after a historic Supreme Court judgment in 2019 on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit. The Hindu litigants argued that the Babri mosque was constructed at the site of a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Ram. The consecration ceremony was held on January 22 last year.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ayodhya's Ram Darbar is now open: How to book passes, aarti timings and more
For devotees of Ram Lalla, good news is here! Ayodhya Ram Mandir's Ram Darbar opened its gates for devotees on June 14, 2025. The much-awaited Ram Darbar at Ayodhya's Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir officially opened its doors to devotees. This major event follows the consecration ceremony held on June 5, where idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshman, Lord Bharat, Lord Shatrughna, and Lord Hanuman were installed on the first floor. The ceremony was conducted with Vedic chants and rituals, marking a historic moment for the temple and its followers. Darshan Timings and Passes To manage visitors, the temple authorities have introduced a structured darshan schedule. Devotees can now access the Ram Darbar in six two-hour slots daily: 7:00–9:00 AM 9:00–11:00 AM 1:00–3:00 PM 3:00–5:00 PM 5:00–7:00 PM 7:00–9:00 PM Each slot accommodates 300 devotees, and only 150 passes are allocated to the district administration and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. 100 among these are for special darshan, and 50 are for easy-access darshan. Booking Process Devotees can also get free entry passes through the official website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The process requires providing personal details such as name, age, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and city. It's important to note that there is no provision for paid darshan or VIP passes. The temple conducts three main aartis daily: Mangala Aarti: 4:00 AM Shringar Aarti: 6:15 AM Shayan Aarti: 10:00 PM For participation in these aartis, devotees must secure passes in advance, as per the temple's guidelines. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Setup Virtual Office In This Country Virtual Office | Search ads Undo Timings : The temple is open for general darshan from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Prohibited Items : Mobile phones, bags, leather-made items and other personal belongings are not allowed inside the temple premises. Facilities : Wheelchairs are available for the elderly and differently-abled within the temple, free of charge, with a nominal tip for the assisting volunteer. The opening of the Ram Darbar is a crucial and memorable milestone in the current development of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, which is expected to be fully completed by the end of this year. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Trust opens Ram Darbar for devotees, darshan passes to be issued
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has opened the Ram Darbar for devotees on the first floor of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Trust took the decision on Friday (June 13), eight days after the pran pratishtha (consecration) of the Ram Darbar on June 5. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had presided over the pran pratishtha ceremony. 'The Trust has started offering darshan of Ram Darbar along with Ram Lalla. This new development allows devotees to pay their respects to both Ram Lalla and the Ram Darbar. To manage the large number of devotees, a quota system has been implemented for darshan passes,' a Trust member said. According to the Trust, 200 passes will be issued – 100 allocated to the district administration and 100 to the Trust. The Trust also stated that 100 Sugam Darshan (easy access) passes will be issued – 50 allocated to the district administration and 50 to the Trust. The Ram Darbar darshan will be available in six time slots: 7-9 am, 9-11 am, 1-3 pm, 3-5 pm, 5-7 pm, and 7-9 pm. Each time slot will have 300 devotees. Devotees need to mention Ram Darbar darshan in their pass application form and the passes will be issued based on availability, the Trust said. The decision to start Ram Darbar darshan was taken after a meeting between the Trust and officials of the Ayodhya administration. Trust member Anil Mishra confirmed the decision was made in the evening. He stated that, similar to the passes offered for Ram Lalla's darshan, passes will also be made available for those wishing to visit the Ram Darbar. The Ram Darbar consists of the idols of Lord Ram and Mata Sita seated on a throne with Hanuman and Bharat depicted in a prayerful posture at their feet and Lakshman and Shatrughan standing beside them. Jaipur-based sculptor Satya Narain Pandey and his team have crafted Ram Darbar, which is made of white Makrana marble. Pandey's idol design had lost out to that of Mysuru-based artist Arun Yograj ahead of the 2024 ceremony. In January 2024, the Trust selected Arun Yogiraj, the Mysuru-based artist's idol for the pran pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla. The Ram Lalla idol is made of Krishna shila (black schist) and depicts the deity as a five-year-old boy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presided over pran pratishtha of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, at the temple's sanctum- sanctorum on the ground floor.
